Comparison of the effects of continuous and high intensity interval training on aerobic performance in elite male rowers

Since the use of interval training could be affected on aerobic performance, the effects of two types of continuous and high intensity interval training on aerobic performance in elite rowers were discussed in the present study.
Among sixty elite male rowers that participated in inter-country rowing championship, eighteen rowers (who selected as Iran national team members) divided randomly into two groups(continuous training and high intensity interval training). Rowing ergometer (Concept 2 model) and gas analyzer device was used, moreover simultaneously physiological factors measured (VO2max and VVo2max with gas analayzer, Tmax with chronometer). The training protocol in continuous group was consisted of 10 km rowing for three weeks (10 sessions per week) with 70-75% of maximum heart rate. High intensity interval (HIIT) group was done 8 sessions of continuous training per week plus 2 sessions of HIIT (including 6 sets X 1 minute ergo performance X 100% VVo2max). To analyze data, t-test was used to compare the differences within and between groups and the level of significance was set as p In both continuous and HIIT groups significant increase was observed in VO2max (p=0.01, p=0.001 respectively) and VVo2max (p=0.02, p=0.004 respectively) in post-test. Moreover, the Tmax was increased in the HIIT group significantly (p=0.001). The results of independent t-test in VO2max (p= 0.52), VVo2max (p=0.42) and Tmax (p=0.14) did not show any significant differences.
These findings showed although both types of training schedules improved VO2max and VVo2max; however improvement rate after HIIT training was no significantly higher. With accounting of only 20 percent of high intensity interval training sessions, a definitive statement about comparing the two types of exercises, further study needs.